Happy New Year !

 Thank you to my faithful blog friends who have checked in although this blog is no longer daily. I'm looking forward to new photo adventures in Birmingham for 2020 ! Please stop in.

You are invited

Foggy Morning on Cliff Road

The Pink House

I am pleased to announce that a selection of my photographs of Homewood's iconic Pink House, the Bridges Studios, are now available for sale. I have chosen a variety of images that are available in two sized prints plus a selection of folded notecards. Other size options are available.

My gratitude to Abbie Wiersma at Art Editions and Gallery for her excellent printing and framing. Located in the Homewood Antiques, it's just a few blocks from the home. The perfect place for them to be shown.

Art Editions and Gallery 

930 Oxmoor Road,

Homewood, AL 35209

205-807-1056

Pink House I

 The Bridges Studios, the historic home in Edgewood has new owners and been thankfully spared from the wrecking ball. Over the past two weeks, I've had the privilege of getting to know the owners and capturing all the wonderful sculpture in and around the home. It's lovingly referred to as The Pink House, for obvious reasons. I hope you'll enjoy touring the home and gardens!

Coming Soon!

Pumpkin Fever!

It's still hot as Hades here but we're soldiering on with Halloween décor in Birmingham. I have a plethora of pumpkin photos so get ready.

JCMP Plaque Dedication

On September 9, the Jefferson County Memorial Project held the first site memorial dedications at Sloss Furnaces. The plaque honored two of the 30 Jefferson County victims of syncing, Tom Redmond and Jake McKenzie, both workers at mines owned by Sloss/Sheffield mines.

Click HERE for more information about the Jefferson County Memorial Project, JCMP,

Third Friday at Shoppe

 I"m very lucky to have one of the hippest garden shops located just a block from my home.  Jay Draper and Mark Thompson manage to find the most beautiful plants and irresistible containers and gifts as well. On the Third Friday of every month. They throw an afternoon workshop along with wine and appetizers. Today we all left with adorable little vases with locally grown flowers from area flower farmers.

Shoppe

3815 Clairmont Avenue

Birmingham AL 

Afternoon at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Euro Birmingham

A bit of Europe right here in Birmingham. 

Elegant Earth at The Arbor

Happy Fourth of July!

Throwback Thursday, 2009!  My cute little flag wavers. 

Future Photographers!

Today I had some big fun. I worked with 8 fifth graders from our IPC Summer Learning Program at our Children's Fresh Air Farm. These kiddos were part of our STAIR reading program as second graders and are invited to attend the program every summer through their fifth grade year. It's six weeks of reading and math with wonderful teachers, in the mornings, nourishing breakfasts, lunches and snacks, and swimming and exciting enrichment activities in the afternoons. This year, the fifth graders were encouraged to choose some extra activities of interest,  and I was asked to do photography with this group. After a short discussion about taking better photos, each one took my camera and photographed their classmates. They took some terrific photographs. I"m so proud of them!

It's Not Too Early To Wave the Flags!

If I want to find some terrific old and new flags, I head down Hwy. 208 to Harpersville to visit my friend Barbara Adkins at Black Sheep Antiques. She carries a wonderful collection of vintage flags and her shop is always decked out year round. 

May We Never Forget Their Ultimate Sacrifice

Alabama Nationtional Cemetery

Blessing of the Animals

Yesterday began a new tradition at Independent Presbyterian Church. Rev. Susan Clayton and Rev. David Seamon greeted dozens of animals, from dogs, cats and rabbits. I left early so who knows what other critters came for a blessing! Here are a few of the photos I managed to capture amidst the sniffing, barking and delightful chaos!

Chancellor House - Harpersville

Today the Southern Garden History Society toured Stone Hollow Farmstead and then had lunch and toured the historical home and gardens of Barbara and Sonny Adkins. I never miss a chance to photograph here. I'will share more images in the days to come as well as more of other Birmingham gardens.

Southern Garden History Society Series I

Home of Camille Butrus

This weekend I have had the pleasure of volunteering to guide bus tours for the attendees at the Southern Garden History Society's meeting, being held at our Birmingham Botanical Gardens. I've so enjoyed showing off my beautiful hometown, and vitiating some outstanding gardens for myself. Of course, meeting so many lovely visitors to our city was just a delight.

For the next few days, I'll share some of my images. 

Peony Time in Birminghiam

My favorite time. We don't have an abundance here in Birmingham, but they are much loved.

Sunday Church Series - Easter Sunday

I share this image from my church, Independent Presbyterian Church. For all of my followers who celebrate Easter, I hope it is a blessed day for you and your family.

For my Jewish readers, I send blessings as you celebrate Passover. 

The Thrill of the Hunt - Hidden in Plain Sight!

The Thrill of the Hunt I

Get Ready!!!

 GO!!!!

Palm Sunday... Uh Oh!

 On Palm Sunday, the children of our church parade through the hallways with their palms singing, Hosanna. This sweet girl didn't let a this ruffle her enthusiasm!

Preparations

On the Friday before Palm Sunday, the ladies at Independent Presbyterian Church gather to lovingly make hundreds of palm crosses to be pinned on Palm Sunday. There is much friendly talk and laughter as they share this beautiful tradition.

Oh Fiddle Dee Dee!

Fiddleheads or fiddlehead greens are the furled fronds of a young fern, and these guys are springing up all over town. I love them!

Kiss Me, I'm Irish!

Star Magnolia

The whimsical, carefree cousin to the our more sedate southern magnolias. This one blooms in early spring before it's leaves open. I love it.

Lenten Rose

Foggy Day on Shades Mountain

Vestavia Temple.of Sibyl

The Last Camellia

I have long been a fan of spent blossoms. This was taken in the beautiful Hess Camellia Garden at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 

Black History Month - Peace and Justice Memorial

Memorial for Peace and Justice , Montgomery Alabama

February In The Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Read With Me

One of my favorite "jobs"( joys)  is visiting STAIR Birmingham sites all over the city and taking photographs. Today, I was right at home at my church, Independent Presbyterian Church. STAIR ( Start The Adventure In Reading) provides twice a week, one on one reading tutoring for second grade students from Birmingham City Schools. It's a wonderful program providing much needed reading mentoring along with a lot of love.

STAIR Birmingham now has 14 sites throughout the city and growing. Please visit their website to learn more. 

Feet of Clay

 Another bit of architectural detail found while poking around the collection at The Garage.

Hear Me Roar!

Across the street fro, The Garages, Fritz Woehle stored a treasure trove of old statuary, doors and so much more from his travels. I have been fortunate to get inside the gates and photograph. Fritz even took me there once. A photographer's paradise.